And Kevin, Education Correspondent
Tensions Rise as Teachers Demand Better Pay, Career Growth
Kenya’s education sector is teetering on the edge of chaos as a bitter standoff between the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) inches closer to a full-blown teachers strike. With over 300,000 educators in limbo after the expiry of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), fears are mounting that schools could soon grind to a halt.
The crisis deepened after the TSC missed a critical July 8 deadline to respond to KNUT’s proposed 2025–2029 CBA, leaving union leaders fuming. KNUT Secretary-General Collins Oyuu did not mince words, accusing the commission of ignoring teachers’ demands.
“By failing to engage, the TSC is telling teachers they don’t matter. This is unacceptable,” Oyuu declared during a fiery press conference in Nairobi.
What Teachers Are Demanding
At the heart of the dispute are three key demands:
- A 60% increase in basic salary
- A 30% rise in allowances
- An overhaul of the Career Progression Guidelines (CPG)
Teachers argue that the CPG system has left many stuck in the same job group for over a decade, stifling career growth.
“This isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity and fairness,” Oyuu stressed.
Failed Talks and Growing Frustration
A scheduled meeting between TSC and KNUT on July 1 collapsed before it even began, with union officials accusing the commission of stonewalling.
“There was no dialogue. No response. Just silence,” Oyuu lamented.
Now, in a rare show of solidarity, the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) has thrown its weight behind KNUT, warning that its members may soon join the strike if the deadlock persists.
Parents, Students Brace for Disruptions
With the teachers strike threat looming, parents and students are bracing for potential school closures. The academic calendar, already strained by past disruptions, could face further delays.
“If teachers down tools, our children suffer,” said Mary Wambui, a parent in Nairobi. “The government must act fast.”
Calls for Urgent Mediation
Pressure is mounting on Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore to intervene and broker a deal. Education stakeholders warn that further delays could plunge the sector into crisis.
“Dialogue must prevail. The cost of inaction will be paid by students and the nation’s future,” warned an education analyst.
As tensions escalate, all eyes remain on the TSC and KNUT to see if a last-minute deal can avert what could be Kenya’s biggest teachers strike in years.
Why This Standoff Matters
The current impasse isn’t just about salaries—it’s about the future of Kenya’s education system. Teachers argue that stagnant wages and rigid promotion structures are driving talent away from the profession.
“If we don’t address these issues, we risk losing quality educators to other sectors—or even other countries,” warned a KUPPET official.
A History of Unresolved Grievances
This isn’t the first time KNUT and TSC have clashed. Past strikes have paralyzed learning for weeks, with the government often stepping in at the last minute with piecemeal solutions.
But this time, teachers say they won’t back down without meaningful changes.
What Happens Next?
With KNUT and KUPPET united, the TSC faces unprecedented pressure to negotiate. If no deal is reached soon, Kenya could witness a nationwide teachers strike—one that would disrupt millions of learners.
For now, the teachers arena remains tense, with union leaders vowing to escalate protests if their demands aren’t met.
Key Takeaways
✅ KNUT demands 60% salary hike, 30% allowance increase, and CPG reforms
✅ **TSC missed July 8 deadline to respond.
